HELENA — The final pieces of a Republican plan to expand mental health care are approaching approval in the Legislature.
Ninety-four representatives voted Monday to endorse the Democratic governor’s amendments to House Bills 33 and 34.
The measures would boost local services for crisis intervention and overnight mental health care. Gov. Steve Bullock offered amendments last week removing a stipulation for future funding procedures and clarifying the definition of treatment beds.
Bullock has signed the third tenet of the mental health package, House Bill 35, to fund short-term inpatient treatment. He also signed Democrat-sponsored House Bill 47 to create a pilot program addressing youth psychiatric crises.
Republican-sponsored House Bill 24 for transitional group homes is awaiting a vote in the House.
Lawmakers have included half of Bullock’s $20 million mental health bid in the proposed general budget.